Anglers providing vital information

Feb 8 2008 The Journal

YET again flooded rivers saw coarse fishing marred on the region’s running waters last weekend and anglers had to switch to searching out some of the region’s stillwaters.

The commercial fisheries such as Woodlands, The Oaks and The Angel can almost guarantee sport but elsewhere Eden Meadows has been in great form. At Aldin Grange’s Blackbird Lake, Peter Richards from Sunderland caught small carp, while David Bellamy reported an encouraging net of ide and carp using maggot.

Coarse anglers in the North East have been providing lots of invaluable information on how well Northumberland’s fisheries are doing via their fishing logbooks, and as the close season for coarse anglers approaches, the Environment Agency is asking them to send in last season’s logbooks.

The books provide important information about coarse fish stocks and where anglers fish and whether they are enjoying their angling experience, and all returned logbooks will be entered into a raffle to win tackle prizes – those who return their logbooks will receive a full report. EA fisheries specialist Philip Rippon said: “The information anglers can provide us is invaluable.

“And they’re also helping themselves, as we can use the wealth of detail provided to tailor our habitat improvement and fish stocking programmes.”

Logbooks should be returned to: Environment Agency, Freepost NAT11924, Tyneside House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BR.

Anglers who would like a logbook for the 2008/9 season should contact Robbie Stephenson via email at mailto:robert.stephenson@environment-agency.gov.uk or on 0191 2034266.

SUNDAY: Wansbeck and Cramlington AC fish a Winter league match at Horton Grange. Big Waters AC host a Winter League match on The Oaks. Chester-le-Street AC have a coarse club match , meeting at the Golf Club – 8.30am. To book a place ring Dave Summers on either 0191-5812978 or 07960-485167. Yarm AA contest their Adams Cup on the Tees. There are Open Matches scheduled on The Oaks, Woodlands,The Angel, Carp Vale and Raker Lakes

TUESDAY: The Tyneside Division of the Pike Anglers Club meet at The Highlander, Front St Winlaton, Blaydon.

WEDNESDAY: There are midweek Open matches on Woodlands and The Angel. Lakeside A C have a club meeting in The Lakeside pub Fellgate.

THURSDAY: There is an Open on the Oaks at Sessay, whilst Four in One AC. hold a meeting in The Bay Horse in Front Street Whickham from 7.45pm